Qantas is reviewing its policy for passengers carrying lithium batteries. The airline has flagged it would soon issue an update about the review.
“There was an incident at the Qantas International Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport this morning involving a customer’s powerbank,” a Qantas spokeswoman said on Thursday evening.
“The lounge was evacuated as a precaution and emergency services treated the customer on site.
“We worked with the Melbourne Airport to clean the lounge and it has since reopened.”
Melbourne Airport also confirmed they were aware of the incident, and said firefighters attended.
Virgin Australia said it was rethinking its powerbank policy after a fire broke out in an overhead locker in July, on a Sydney to Hobart flight.
In January, 27 people were injured after an Air Busan plane caught fire while preparing for take-off in South Korea, when a powerbank in an overhead luggage compartment ignited.
South Korea put nationwide restrictions on powerbanks in March.
Emirates last month imposed a ban on the use of the devices aboard its 266-plane fleet, and restricted passengers to bringing one each on board.
The International Air Transport Association is funding a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of lithium-powered batteries, in response to growing concern.
Passengers have widespread misconceptions about the dangers of carrying lithium-powered devices, with half believing packing small devices in checked luggage is safe, according to a recent poll by the association.
The organisation, which represents 350 airlines globally, urges passengers to bring the devices only when they are absolutely necessary. Travellers should also monitor their powerbanks, and alert airline crew if the devices become damaged or excessively hot, the association warns.
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